See also

“It appears Canadians have an economic perspective in mind as they consider the issue of legalizing marijuana in the country,” said Andrew Enns, president of NRG Research Group in a release. “A majority (63%) of Canadians support a specific sales tax on marijuana if it were to be legalized.”

Provinces in Western Canada show strong support for this idea with 88% of Saskatchewan residents, 73% of Albertans, and 70% of BC residents backing a weed sales tax.

Public perceptions vary

The survey found that Canadians’ public perceptions about legalizing weed still vary.

Six in ten Canadians (59%) believe decriminalizing the drug would increase use by minors, and 67% said that it would cause an increase of people driving under the influence.

A majority of survey respondents (87%) believe that marijuana sales should be made available to adults only.

Cannabis Culture raids

The survey results come just a week after the arrests of marijuana advocates Marc and Jodie Emery at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport for possession and trafficking the drug.

Several Emery-owned Cannabis Culture shops across the country– including the Vancouver headquarters–were also raided by police.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged to introduce legislation in spring making recreational marijuana legal but also said it would remain illegal until that bill was passed. In December 2016, the federal government released a report, which outlined recommendations for legalizing the drug.

Simran Singh

Simran is a Staff Writer at Daily Hive. She enjoys writing about culture, society, and politics. In her spare time, she drinks too much coffee and listens to a lot of Beyoncé. Have a story idea? Email her: [email protected]